Auburn averaged just 93.5 yards rushing in its first two games, a little more than half of what the Tigers averaged a year ago. But AU faced a couple of tough defenses in those two games and has been without the services of suspended tailback Brad Lester this season.

Fortunately, sophomore Ben Tate and redshirt freshman Mario Fannin have stepped up their play just in time for AU's trip to Gainesville this Saturday.

In last Saturday's blowout win over New Mexico State, Tate and Fannin both eclipsed the 100-yard mark as AU rushed for 229 yards, its best output of the season.